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Local framework

How succession matters work in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein’s courts operate in three instances, and the country’s civil law is closely tied to the Austrian ABGB. Succession proceedings and disputes are heard by these courts, and lawyers who practise in this area must be on the official list. The table below sets out the main limitation periods and procedural deadlines that can affect a succession claim.

Civil-law tradition and the ABGB

Liechtenstein is a civil-law jurisdiction whose private law is largely a reception of the Austrian Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (ABGB), in force as LGBl. 1811/… (systematic register no. 210.0) with numerous Liechtenstein amendments. Succession law, including wills and inheritance, sits within this framework. As an EEA member, Liechtenstein is also bound by EEA internal-market law.

The courts that hear succession cases

Ordinary jurisdiction is exercised in three instances: the Fürstliches Landgericht in Vaduz (first instance), the Obergericht (second instance) and the Oberster Gerichtshof (third instance, which also acts as the Administrative Court). The Staatsgerichtshof is a separate constitutional court. Succession disputes that reach court will follow this path, with German as the sole language of proceedings.

Who may practise as a wills lawyer

Only persons entered in the Liechtenstein lawyers’ list (Rechtsanwaltsliste), kept by the Liechtensteinische Rechtsanwaltskammer, may practise as Liechtenstein lawyers. Requirements under the Lawyers Act (RAG) include legal capacity, trustworthiness, EEA or equivalent nationality, a bar examination or three years of regular practice, a domestic office and professional indemnity insurance. Lawyers qualified in other EEA states may also provide services under free movement rules.

Representation and legal aid

There is no general statutory obligation to be represented by a lawyer (Anwaltszwang) in Liechtenstein’s Zivilprozessordnung, and parties may act in person or through an agent. However, for succession matters a specialist can help. Verfahrenshilfe (legal aid) under S 63 ZPO is available to those who cannot meet costs without impairing their livelihood, and court interns offer free legal advice in simple cases by appointment.

Court fees and costs

Court fees are governed by the Gerichtsgebührengesetz (GGG). The assessment base is normally the value in dispute, amounts are rounded up to the next franc, and foreign-currency amounts are converted into Swiss francs at the SIX AG daily rate. Maintenance claims are valued at twice the annual amount. Failure to pay a fee triggers a Zahlungsauftrag payable within two weeks plus a CHF 25 surcharge, after which it becomes enforceable.

EEA dimension and the EFTA Court

As an EEA member, Liechtenstein is subject to EEA law, and the EFTA Court in Luxembourg has jurisdiction in EEA-law matters. The Oberster Gerichtshof has confirmed that national rules binding courts to rulings of a higher instance cannot prevent a court from requesting an advisory opinion from the EFTA Court. This can be relevant in cross-border succession cases involving EEA nationals.

All country-specific data on this page was verified against official Liechtenstein sources (Gerichte.li, gesetze.li, Regierung.li, RAK.li, ogh.li) as at the date of publication.

• Liechtenstein courts – Oberster Gerichtshof
• Lawyers Act (RAG) – consolidated text
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – consolidated text
• Gerichtsgebührengesetz (GGG) – consolidated text
• ABGB – consolidated text (limitation periods)
• Government of Liechtenstein – 2026 limitation reform
• Liechtenstein Bar Association
• Free legal advice – Fürstliche Gerichte
• Oberster Gerichtshof – legal principles